Your Right to Know

NEW YORK — Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will take center stage among about 1
million revelers in New York’s Times Square to usher in 2014 by pressing the button to lower the
iconic countdown ball, organizers said yesterday.

The New York native follows in the footsteps of pop star Lady Gaga, boxing great Muhammad Ali,
Bill and Hillary Clinton and others who have had the honor of starting the ball drop, which
organizers said will be watched by an estimated 1 billion people around the world.

Sotomayor was chosen for her achievements and rise from humble beginnings in the Bronx to become
the first Latina appointed to the country’s highest court, organizers said.

“She’s an inspirational and aspirational choice,” said Tim Tompkins, president of the Times
Square Alliance, which organizes the annual event.

One regular guest who will not be in the crowd is departing Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

After 12 years in office, Bloomberg opted to spend his final hours as mayor celebrating
privately with friends and family, Tompkins said.